Glass feeding apparatus



Oct. 6, 1953 K. E. PEILER GLASS FEEDING APPARATUS 'Filed April 21, 19495 Sheets-Sheet l FIGLI INVENTOR KARL. E. PEILER www ATTORNEYS o ct. s,1953 K, E. PEILR 2,654,184`

GLASS FEEDING APPARATUS Filed April 21, 1949 5 sheets-sheet 2 m 1NVENTORKARL E.. PELLER ATTORNEYS Oct. 6, 1953 K. E. Pl-:lLER

GLASS FEEDING APPARATUS 5 sheets-sheet s I Filed April '21, 1949 ,R Eauf@ oa P m EE v ma w A K.

ATTORNEYS Filed April 21,

5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR KARI- E. PEILER Ew MM Lm ATTORNEYS PatentedOct. 6, T953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GLASS FEEDIN G APPARATUS rationof Delaware Application April 21, 1949, Serial No. 88,869

15 claims. 1

This invention relates to glass feeding apparatus in which a forehearthis connected to and receives molten glass from a glass melting furnaceand has at its outer end a delivery or feeding chamber from which moldcharges of molten glass are supplied to forming machines. Morespecifically, it relates to such feeding apparatus in which the moldcharges are accumulated and severed in suspension below a dischargeorifice or a plurality of such orices.

Modern demands for better quality in glass containers and also forlighter, thinner walled containers require better mold charges fed tothe forming machine. These mold charges should have greater uniformityand accuracy of Weight, shape, temperature and temperature distributionthan those heretofore generally fed by existing glass feeding apparatus.

The glass supplied by the melting furnace to such feeding apparatusgenerally has to be cooled to bring it to the desired temperature forthe mold charges, but sometimes it has to be raised in temperature. Incooling the glass as it passes through the forehearth, some of it isovercooled and some of it is undercooled. Similarly, in heating it, someof it is overheated and some of it is not heated enough. In eachinstance, the average temperature of the glass as it approaches the feedchamber is generally that desired, but there are temperature dierencesabove and below this desired temperature. This effect is influenced bygreater resistance to viscous flow along the sides and bottom of theforehearth and by the cooling inuences of such sides and bottom. Theglass on top and in the center flows faster than that at the sides andbottom, and, therefore, there is most generally a considerable`difference in temperature between the glass at the top and center thanthat at the sides and bottom. These temperature differences causedifferences in temperature in the mold charges which are fed.

The glass supplied by the melting furnace also frequently hasinequalities in it. These may persist in the travel through theforehearth, particularly if they are inequalities of composition. Suchinequalities as cannot be reduced by passage through the forehearth,also act to cause inequalities in the mold charges which are fed.

It is well known that mold charges formed and severed in suspension fromthis type of apparatus have an outer skin which while hot and plastic isstill substantially colder than the interior of the mold charge. Thisskin is rendered colder and thicker by the solder, more viscous 5 berand flows to form the outside of the mold charges, exaggerating the coldskin condition. I have found that an increase in the temperature of thisskin to more nearly the temperature of the interior of the mold charge,and a decrease in the thickness of the skin, to be highly desirable. Itis also desirable to have the temperature and thickness of the skinsymmetrical with respect to the vertical axis of the mold charge. Thispermits making not only better quality ware,

but also thinner walled ware of controllable thickness distribution.

In feeding two or more mold charges at a time from a plurality oforifices in the bottom of the feed chamber with this type of apparatus,it is very desirable that both mold charges have the same temperatureand viscosity of glass, and that they be alike in temperaturedistribution. Because of inequalities in temperature and viscosity inthe glass flowing to such a plurality of orifices, such multiple moldcharges are frequently not alike, but differ in shape, weight andtemperature, as well as in the distribution of temperature throughoutthe charge. The problem is to make the same kind of glass come out ofeach orifice so that the weight, shape, temperature and viscosity willbe the same.

Increased demands on modern glass feeding apparatus for higher feedingspeeds, greater range of mold charge sizes and higher tonnage dischargerates have substantially increased the demand for a more rugged feedermechanism with more convenient operating adjustments. Moreover, suchfeeders operate continuously for long periods with practically no timeout for repairs, and it is desirable to have extremely rugged ditions.

On account of higher production speeds and the necessity for economies,conveniences in the easy and quick replacement of expendable parts, suchas refractory parts, is very important. In replacing a worn dischargeorice ring, for instance, difculties are often encountered in forming aproper seal between the orifice ring and the bottom of the feed chamberto which it is affixed, due to the variable conditions caused bygetale-iz differences in hand manipulation. Similarly, the replacementof other worn refractory parts, or of such expendable parts as shearblades, may consume considerable time. The loss of this time ismultiplied by its effect on temperature conditions in the formingmachine.

It is the general object of this invention to feed mold charges ofbetter quality with imDrQved temperature distribution and with greateruniformity in Weight, shape, temperature and viscosity than heretofore.

A further object is to blend and equalize the glass as it flows throughthe feed chamber to the discharge orifice or orifices to minimizeinequalities in the glass such as differences in temE perature andviscosity.

A more specific object is to prevent stagnation and accumulation in thefeed chamber of glass colder and more viscous than the glass forming theinterior of the mold charges.

A further object is to minimize the tempera.- ture difference betweenthe interior of a mold charge and its colder outer layer or skin and toreduce the thickness of this colder skin.

A more specic object is to make this skin and its temperaturedistribution as symmetrical as possible with respect to the verticalaxis of the mold charge.

Another object is to feed simultaneously a plurality of mold chargeswith their weight, shape, temperature and viscosity each as nearly alikeas possible. That is, two or more charges may be fed simultaneously ineach cycle of operation of the feeder, and these charges should be asnearly as possible of the seme weight and shape and have the sametemperature and viscosity distribution as nearly as possible.

Another object is to feed a series of groups of charges in regularrecurring cycles, each group consisting of two or more charges fedsimultaneously and to minimize the differences in weight, shape,temperature distribution and viscosity dis.- tribution between thesuccessive charges.

A further object is to provide improved mechanism for glass feedingapparatus adapted to operate through a wider productive speed range andhaving improved operating adjustments and conveniences.

A more specific object is, to provide improved means for holding andreplacing expendable parts.

Other objects and advantages of the invention hereinafter will bepointed out or will be apparent from the following description of apractical embodiment of such invention as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal vertical section of a feeder bowl and of afragmentary portion of a forehearth channel structure to which the bowlis attached and of glass homogenizing andl feed controlling parts, theview also showing in elevation a fragmentary portion of the shearmechanism;

Fig. l-A is a perspective view of a ring for supporting the bowl spacedabove the bottom of its casing.;

Fig. 2 is a partial View, showing in transverse vertical section afragmentary portion of the feed bowl and part of the mounting for aglass stirring and homogenizing rotary implement which is included inthe glass feed control means and in elevation the means for adjustablysupporting such implement;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the means for adjustably andremovably supporting a stationary tubular member which is included inthe glass feed control means of the feeder;

Fig. 4 is a section along the line dof Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a section along the line 5 5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a horizontal section through the assembly of glasshomogenizing and feed controlling parts at a plane above the feederbowl, which is omitted;

Fig. 7 is a horizontal section through the feeder bowl and glasshomogenizing and feed control means, with all other parts omitted;

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal vertical section of the feeder bowl equippedwith glass homogenizing and feed controlling means including a modiedform of rotary member; and

Fig. 9 is a horizontal section along the line 9,--9 of Fig. 8.

The feeder shown in the drawings comprises ya refractory glass dischargeor feed bowl I, Fig. 1,

which may be operatively joined to a refractory forehearth iiow channel2, Fig. 1, so that molten glass from a supply melting tank furnace, notshown, may flow through the channel and to the feed bowl to fill thelatter to a predetermined level, as to the so-called metal line,indicated at 3 in Fig. 1. The feeder bowl has a cover structuregenerally designated C. The forehearth front section and the bowl coverstructure have heating provisions represented by the burner blocks B-land 13 2, respectively.

The forehearth per se does not form part of the present invention. Thatindicated by the partial showing thereof in Fig. 1 is commonly known asHartford-Empire Companys type K forehearth and an example thereof isshown and described in U. S. Patents No. 2,139,911 of December 13, 1938,and No. 2,144,973 of January 24, 1939. While others may be used, thistype of forehearth is preferred by me as best suited to supply a streamof molten glass to the feed bowl of my novel feeder in a bettercondition so far as temperature, viscosity and homogeneity are concernedthan other known types of forehearths. Stirrers (not shown) may beprovided in the forehearth channel to aid in eliminating cords, straeand inequalities in the glass stream iiowing to the feed bowl. Ashereinafter will be explained, the feed controlling provisions of thenovel feeder of the present invention have the separate but coordinatedfunctions of controlling weight and shape of the charges fed but alsocirculate and blend all glass entering the bowl emoute to the feedoutlet or outlets so as to assure desirable uniformity of temperature,viscosity and condition of the glass arriving at such outlet or outlets.

The feed bowl is made of glass-resistant refractory material and may bemade in one piece. I prefer, however, to make it in two pieces, oneforming the main body of the bowl and the other one consisting of anespecially glass-resistant insert or bushing. This permits the body ofthe bowl to be made of a more suitable material to resist heat shock,and also permits the bushing which forms the discharge well, in whichthe lower end of the plunger acts, to be made of a more highlyglass-resistant material which would not be so suitable for heat shock.The bushing projects a substantial distance below the feed bowl. Thelower part of the bushing rests on a support and thus supports the feedbowl, the bushing being held between the support and the feed bowl. Thebushing is cemented in place in the feed bowl to prevent leakage ofglass.

The feed bowl has a tubular outlet` member 4` in the feed bowl above thelevel of the adjacent surface 5 of the feed bowl bottom in the form ofan annular curb 6 around the upper end of a vertical outlet passage Ilthrough the member 4, Fig. 1. This outlet member 4 is shown as being aseparate refractory bushing or tube suitably shaped and of suitable sizeat 8 above an external flange 9 on the lower portion thereof to t avertical opening I in the bottom of the feed bowl and to protrudeupwardly in the feed bowl to define the curb when the member 4 has beenraised until its fiange 9 bears against the bottom of the feed bowl.

The present invention provides means to support the refractory bowlwithin and spaced above the bottom of a supporting casing, which may bemade of cast iron in accordance with usual practice, so as to effect asubstantial reduction of heat flow from the bowl to the casing, therebyaiding in minimizing stagnant, cold glass on the bowl fioor and liningthe bowl outlet passage and also tending to make the temperature of theglass passing through such outlet more uniform throughout itscross-section by opposing the formation of a relatively colder outsideskin thereon. In the example shown, a separate supporting ring I I madeof a material more resistant to heat and less heat conductive than themetal of which the casing is made supports the bowl above and in spacedrelation to the bottom of the casing and breaks heat flow from the bowlto the casing by reason of its relatively poor heat conductivity and thejoints between its upper and lower ends and the supported and supportingparts, respectively. The ring I I, Fig. l-A, may be of downwardlyenlarging shape from an internally flanged upper end portion I2 to itslower end. As shown in Fig. 1, its lower end is seated in an annularseat I3 in a suitably apertured bottom portion of the bowl casing whichis generally designated I4. The lower end portion of the bowl outletmember rests upon the upper end of the ring II so that while the bowl issuitably located and supported in relation to the bottom of the casing,heat iiow therefrom to the casing is poor. The actual structural detailsof the contacting portions of the parts may vary. In the example shown,the upper end surface of the ring I I is provided with three angularlyspaced relatively raised small area bearing surfaces or pads I2a onwhich the external flange S on the lower portion of the bowl outletmember rests and the extreme lower end portion of the bowl outlet memberis located Within the upper end portion i2 of the ring with which it hasa close enough t for bowl locating purposes without being in good heatexchanging contact therewith. The ring might be formed with similarangularly spaced supporting surfaces or pads on its lower end further tobreak its heat exchanging contact with the casing although theseordinarily will not be required and if employed should not be highenough to allow leakage of insulation underneath the ring from the spacebetween the bowl and the casing. The ring i! may be made of refractoryto minimize heat conduction but preferably is made of a known suitablyheat resistant, poorly conductive metal alloy.

The casing I4 corresponds in shape to the feed bowl, being sufficientlylarger than such bowl to be spaced therefrom as indicated at I5, Fig. 1,when the feed bowl is supported therein through the agency of the bowloutlet member 4 and the supporting ring I I. The casing I4 may beflanged f,

at the rear thereof as indicated at I6, Fig. 1, such 6 fianged portionbeing secured to the metal casing or shell I'I of the forehearthchannel. It, of course, will be understood that the forehearth channelstructure, including the metal casing thereof, will be operativelysecured to the molten glass supply furnace, not shown, and supported atthe desired level by conventional supporting means, not shown.

The bottom of the bowl casing I4 is provided with an opening I8 withinthe annular seat I3 to accommodate an annular holder I9 on an arm v2&3which is pivoted at 2l to a fixed supporting frame member 22, the axisof the pivotal support of the arm 20 being horizontal so that the arm 2dmay swing vertically from its raised active position as shown in fulllines in Fig. 1 to a lower retracted position as indicated by thedot-anddash lines in the same View. The holder I9 carries a dish shapedholder 23 for an orifice ring 24. The holder 23 has an inwardlyextending web or centering lugs 25 fitting underneath the iianged upperend portion 26 of the orifice ring so as t0 support the latter centrallyin the holder 23 when the extreme lower end portion of the orifice ringprojects through and below a central opening 2'I in the holder 23. Thespace between the orifice ring 23 and the holder may be filled withgranular insulation as indicated at 28 and the top of the orifice ringmay be joined by luting 2d to the bottom end surface of the feeder bowloutlet member 4 so that the interior of the orifice ring 3@ forms acontinuation of the passage I in the outlet member 4. At this time, theupper end portion of the orifice ring fits within the smaller upper endportion I2of the downwardly enlarging bowl supporting ring Il and anannular air space 3l surrounds the orifice ring holder and aids inkeeping it cool. The combined outlet passages 'I, 3) define theeffective glass discharge or feed well of the feeder. This well isdownwardly enlarging for the portion thereof dened by the bowl outletmember 4 and then may be downwardly tapering in the orifice ring fromthe upper end of such orifice ring to the level of a transversepartition 32 in the orifice ring, this partition cooperating with theexternal wall of the lower part of the orifice ring to define a pair ofsimilar final discharge orifices 33.

The bowl outlet member 4 may be integral with the bowl proper, althoughan insert outlet member, as shown, is provided as this permits use ofoutlet members having different shapes and sizes of fiow passages withthe same main bowl part.

The space I5 between the feed bowl and its casing may be lled withgranular insulation as indicated at 34, Fig. l. In the structure sho-wn,an annular closure ring of refractory, indicated at 35, overlies theinsulation in the space I5 and closes the gap between the upper end ofthe bowl easing and the upper part of the refractory feed bowl.Overlying these parts is a suitable burner block B-2, shown as beingprovided with burner openings at suitable places, some of such openingsbeing shown at 36, Figs. l and 8. Superimposed on the burner blocks B-2is a feed bowl cover comprising refractory blocks 3'! and 38, Figs. 1and 8. These refractory blocks may have open topped cavities therein asindicated at 39 and 4e, respectively, for the reception of granularinsulation 4I. Suitable metallic top plates 42 and 42a may overlie therefractory blocks and lmeet along a line extending transversely acrossthe vertical center line of the feed outlet. See Fig. 8. These may befastened in place by suitable fastening means, as by cap screws such asare shown at i3 fastening the plate 42 to a fixed suitably Shaped metal.Support Q4 which overlies the burner block vB--2 and partiallyunderlies the refractory block 3l.

The cover C is formed to define an opening 45 therein, Fig. 1, thisopening being aligned with the bowl outlet passages 1, 3B. Through suchopening depend the several components of the glass homogenizing and feedcontrol means. These comprise a rotary outer refractory glasshomogenizing and stirring implement 4B, a nonrotary inner refractory.charge weight .control tube 41, and a central reciprocable verticalrefractory charge shape control plunger 4-8, all disposed in mutuallyconcentric relation with each other and with the feed outlet andindividually supported and operated by means presently to be described.

As hereinafter will become clear, the novel arrangement Of glasshomogenizing and feed control elements of the feeder of the presentinvention provides a commercially practicable separation of the threeimportant functions of charge Weight control, charge shape control, andcirculation of the glass in the bowl to eect thorough blending andequalization of temperature of all parts of the glass passing to thedischarge orilice or orices. This is `accomplished without undesirablechange of level of the glass locally at the front or some other place inthe feed bowl and so as to prevent accumulation of relatively colder,more viscous glass or stagnant glass on the floor of the bowl around thedischarge passage or in a zone at the front of the bowl. Consequently,the glass fed downwardly through the feed orifice or orifices tends tobe more uniform in temperature throughout its cross-section and to haveless thickness of cold glass or skin on its periphery next to a glassdischarge passage or oriiice wall. These results all aid better controlof weight, shape and condition of glass charges obtained by feed ofglass from the bowl through one or two adjacent discharge orices. Betterdistribution of temperature throughout the glass in the bowl also makesfor a saving in fuel required to heat such glass in order to obtain fromeach discharge orice successive charges of suitable shape, size andthermal condition to be blown or otherwise formed into glassware in themolds of an associate glassware forming machine.

' It is to be noted from Figs. 7 and 9 that the feed bowl I isunsymmetrical in cross-sectional configuration and that the dischargeoutlet is located at one side of the longitudinal medial line of theglass stream entering the feed bowl from the forehearth channel. Theside wall of the feed bowl coincides with an arc of a circle struck by aradius moving about the point located at .r from the point indicated ata on the right hand side wall of the feed bowl to the point indicated atb on its left hand side wall. The portion of the right hand side wall ofthe feed bowl from a point rearwardly to its juncture at a with the sidewall of the forehearth channel 2 is substantially straight and parallelwith the central line of the stream. It will be noted that the point ais located forward of the vertical center line designated y of the feedVbowl outlet. The relatively short portion of the left hand side wall ofthe feed bowl from the point b to its juncture at b' with the left handwall of the forehearth channel 2 likewise may be substantially straightand parallel with the longitudinal medial line of the glass streamentering the feed bowl, this line being indicated at z. The point b isadjacent to the entrance to the feed bowl and rearward of th feed bowloutlet. Both the center of the arcuate main side wall portion of thefeed bowl and the vertical center line of the feed bowl outlet arelocated to the left of the longitudinal medial line z of the stream ofglass entering the feed bowl. This arrangement causes glass to flowalong a spiral path to the outlet passage and provides advantageouscoaction between the rotary outer element of the glass homogenizing andfeed control means, particularly when the direction of the rotation ofthe rotary element is counterclockwise as indicated by the directionarrows in Figs. 7 and 9 so that glass is circulated in the feed bowl andis subjected to effective action from the cooperative components of theglass homogenizing and feed control means and the Walls of the feed bowlto break up and reduce to a comparatively harmless character cords,streaks of contaminated glass, etc., arriving in the feed bowl. Thoroughcirculation and blending of different portions of the glass in the feedbowl are effected so that such glass is more nearly homogeneous anduniform in temperature and Viscosity by the time it reaches the feedbowl outlet.

The rotary member d5, Figs. 1, 2 and 6, comprises a plurality ofcooperative segmental sections, three in the example shown. Each ofthese segmental sections consists of a cylindrical upper portion 59 ofslightly less than 120, an outwardly flaring intermediate portion 50 anda relatively narrower lower portion 5I which, in the example shown, hasa. length approximately as great as that of the upper portion 49 andintermediate portion 50 combined. The lower portion 5l is the part whichdepends into the glass in the feed bowl. The portion 5I of the rotorsegment may be relatively thicker radially and narrower arcuately thanthe remainder of the segment and may be formed to be generally oblong incrosssectional configuration as best seen in Figs. 6 and 7. It issubstantially vertical when supported in its operative position as inFigs. l and 2, for example, and has a iiat bottom surface as indicatedat 52 in these views.

The upper portion i9 of each segment has an external liange 53 fittingin a suitably configured seat 54 in a rotor chuck segment 55. The chucksegment is substantially Z-shaped in radial crosssectional configurationas shown in Fig. 2. A suitable arcuate hold-down plate segment 55 issecured, as by eyebolts 5i, Figs. 2 and 5, in place on the top of thechuck segment 55 so as releasably to clamp the rotor segment in itschuck segment. Each chuck segment 55 lits in an appropriete portion ofan annular seat 58 in the lower part of an annular rotary chuck carrier59, in which it may be releasably retained by the weight of thesupported parts.

The rotary carrier 59 has an outwardly enlarged supporting upper portion60, formed to provide a downwardly facing horizontal surface Bl bearingupon axially horizontally disposed rollers 62 which occupy relativelyfixed positions. The upper portion 6B of the chuck carrier also has anouter peripheral surface 63 bearing against axially vertically disposedrollers 64 which like- Wise occupy relatively fixed positions. Therollers 62 and 64 are mounted as presently to be described on ahorizontal supporting arm or frame 65. The rollers 62 turn abouthorizontal axes radial to the rotary chuck carrier 59 while the rollers64 turn about vertical axes parallel to the axis of such chuck carrier.Three of the rollers 62 are shown in Fig. 5 as being spaced uniformly 9about the axis of the chuck carrier. The rollers 64 may be similar innumber and spacing, as indicated in Fig. 3. Each of these rollers 62 or64 may be a commercial unit which includes a selfcontained anti-frictionbearing assembly so that such roller turns easily about its own axis.

In assembling the segments of the refractory rotor 46, each may beplaced in its individual chuck segment and then pre-heated at its lowerend and for a desired part of its length. Thereafter, such chucksegment, with the pre-heated refractory rotor segment held thereby, maybe lowered to a seated position in the annular chuck carrier 59. Thisposition may be predetermined by a locating pin 66, Fig. 2, which iscarried by the chuck segment in position to engage with a suitablerecess 61 in the underlying portion of the rotary chuck carrier.Rotation of the chuck carrier to rotate the generally bell-shaped rotorwith its depending legs or prongs in the glass in the feed bowlconcentric with the feed outlet may be effected through the agency of anannular sprocket 68 secured by cap screws 69 in place on the top of thechuck carrier in concentric relation therewith and driven by a chain 10.

The action of the rotor is advantageous in effecting desirablecirculation and blending of glass in the bowl on its way to the outlet.When the rotor is in an operative position, its lower glass engaginglegs or prongs extend vertically from a level well above that of theglass surface to a level below that of the curb 6 surrounding the upperend of the glass outlet flow passage 1, the flat, lower surfaces of suchlegs or prongs being spaced but slightly above the bottom surface of thefeed bowl proper around the curb and their inner surfaces being closelyadjacent to the outer peripheral surface of the curb. In actual prac-vtice, the spacing of the bottom surface of the rotor legs from thebottom of the feed bowl or spout may be from 1/4 to 1/2 inch and thespace between the curb and the inner side surfaces of the rotor legs maybe as little as 1/4 of an inch. With this arrangement, the stirringaction of the rotor is effective clear to the bottom of the bowl aroundthe curb and prevents accumulation there of colder and more viscous orstagnant glass which otherwise would cling to the bowl floor, such glassbeing plowed yolf the floor and impelled upwardly into and mixed withhotter glass. Also, since the glass engaging legs or prongs extend wellabove the glass surface, heat from the glass in the spout may radiate tothe tube 41 within the rotor and the space between the rotor and thetube 41, indicated at 1| in Fig. l, utilized as a stack for heated gaseswhich on their way out will effectively heat the tube 41.

The stirring legs of the rotor also cooperate with the side wall of thefeed bowl and with the tube 41 to circulate the glass in 'thebowl in agenerally spiral path so as thoroughly to blend and equalize thetemperature of the. glass passing through the annular space between .thebottom end of the tube 41 and the curb 6 to the feed bowl outlet ascirculating glass passes into the space between the rotor legs and thetube 41, the latter being concentric withand spaced from the rotor, suchglass is smeared against the tube and cords and inequalities thereinbroken up, attenuated and dispersed while en route tothe bowl outletflow passage. Y

The tube 41 also is the charge weight regulating element, the positionof its lower end with relation to the. top surface of thecurb 6determining the rate of flow of glass into' theupper end of the outletpassage 1 and hence the rate of issuance of glass from the feed orificeor orifices. This tube 41 may be spaced an appropriate distance from thecircular path of the glass engaging legs of the rotor, as, for example,about 11/8 inch. The tube 41 is supported in its predetermined positionby means presently to be described and it, of course, may be raised orlowered to vary the effective size of the annular flow passage betweenits lower end and the curb and maybe lowered completely to the curb toshut off flowv of glass completely when required or desired for anypurpose, as for change or replacement of orifice rings.

The plunger 48 is supported in a central position within the tube sothat its lower end depends into the well or outlet passage 1 and thisplunger is reciprocated vertically to impart desired accelerative andretractive impulses to the glass in the outlet passage to aid theformation of and for control of the shape of the issuing charges. Themeans to adjustably support and reciprocate the plunger 48 presentlywill be described.

The circulation of glass in the feed bowl and the coaction of the feedcontrol and glasshomogenizing means comprising the elements justdescribed with the spiral or unsymmetrical side wall of the bowl assurescontinuous delivery to the bowl well or outlet passage of glass at theproper rate and in proper condition as to temperature and viscosity forfeeding of charges of predetermined weight and shape, both of which maybe varied within wide ranges, and of suitable temperature and viscositycondition for the molds of the associate forming machine. The meansdescribed for supporting the bowl within and spaced from its casingbreaks and minimizes heat loss from the bowl to the casing and permits asubstantial increase in insulation under the bottomof the bowl. Thisincrease of insulation'and breaking of heat flow to the bowl casingcontributes to the higher temperature of the outside skin of thecharges. It also aids in minimizing stagnant, cold glass on the bowlnoor and lining the bowl well.

Heat loss from the bowl orifice or orifices is minimized by increasedinsulation and vby improved locating and supporting means for the oricering which break the heat flow to the oriiice ring support. This reducedheat loss contributes to reduction of the colder outer skin on thecharge.

The nre space over the glass in the bowl is baflled off from the spaceover the glass inthe forehearth flow channel, thereby permitting aseparate temperature control in the bowl which is very usefulI inregulating charge temperatures.

It will be noted that the opening 45, Fig. 1, in the cover C of the feedbowl is but slightly larger than the upper, relatively smaller portionof the rotor unit and is downwardly flaring or enlarged, as indicated at45a, to lit rather closely around the outwardly enlarging or flaringportion 50 of the rotor unit. This permits but little heat loss from thefeed bowl through the opening around the rotor unit. The opening is toosmall to permit raising of the rotor unit as such but the segments ofsuch unit may be raised separately. This may be accomplished withoutdisturbing the chuck carrieror displacing the plunger 48 or the tube 41or their mountings.' Thus, when it is desired to remove and replace asegment, the carrier Vof the assembled segments is rotatably adjusteduntil the segment to be removed is located 'at the'front of the feedingcontainer, i'. e.,

l1 te the. freni cever secties @L This freni @ever Section is mere-.dierwerd a slight distance ie enlarge the irait portieri, ci the openingthe cerer Se es te altere. clearance. ierthe eee.- merit which is raisedand lifted thrcueli the Openirre ef the appeler cimeli carrierl theSegment beine tilted. and skewed ereiirid if. .necessary er helpful teits raisins., This.. cpereticn may be re- Heated for any further.Segment or Segmente te be removed Replacement may be effected byreversing the cperailerie inet described. The, erebelis .5l prei/rele e.cenreriierrt means te which a hoist, not shown, may be attached for usein leweririe the eeerrieiite. ci the roter unit tc theirQpereiivepesitierle the, feed bcwl er in raising there thereirerri.-

Rotor, chuck carrier supporting and oefling mda The Supporting erm erfreine 65 has erre. end portion thereof formed tov provide an open-r.topped, generally cylindrical chamber 65a, Figs. 2 and 5, in which therotor chuck Carrier 59. is, disposed with its lower end portion 59arestingupon an annular seat 11g, provided by an inwardly extendingflange l2; on the frame 65 at the bottom of the chamber 65a when thechuck carrier is rotatably supported by its upper portion on the rollersg as; hereinbefore pointed out. At appropriate places around its`vertical axis, the well ef. thel cylindricalchemlcer 65a ie. eperturedes indicated et 1?... Eier 5., te. accommodate the rollers, Q2; aridtheir maritimes,- Eech such mounting comprises. ehllb. 141 having anattaching plate 15 at ille4 cuter end; secured against, a flat outerface 'IQ on the. support 65, as by cap screws Tl', so that the hub 1,4is disposed in the opening 13 with its axis radial, of the chamber 65a.Journalled, in the h ub. Tg4 is a rotatably adjustable roller shaft 1.8iwhich, may be made fast tothe hub in any angularly turned position, asby meansy of aV screw 19. carried. by: the hub to project into anannular groove 8l)k in the shaft 1 8. The inner end portion. of theshaft 18- is eccentric to the. remainder thereof as indicated at 8l,Fig. 2, and. carries one oi.l the` rollers 62 which, as` aforesaid, maybe. mounted thereon by means of a self-.contained anti-friction. bearing@not shown), as is conventional. Thecouter end of the shaft 18 isprovided with a screwdriver slot 82 whereby itV may-be` turnedindividually about its axis co-raise or lower' its supported` roller 62andt of course, the portion of the chuck carrier supported thereon. Byysuitablyy adjusting the individual shafts min thisrnannerf, the positionof the entirerotcr unit; as supported by the carrier., may be adjustedvertically Within limits with relation to the floor of ythe feed bowl.The axially vertical rollers 644 have vertical supporting studs orshafts secured in place in vertical openings. in the frame 65- asindicated at lilla,` in Fig. 2v for one of thesev rollers. The chuckcarrier is positioned: in axialV alignment with the feed bowl outlet bythe bear-ing contact of these axially vertical rollersY 6.4 with.theperiph or frame B5 and.themeansfor-adjlitablyfSUD:

porting it.

The euppcrted Dertien of the arm or frame 65 provided with a verticalopening 83. Fig. 2, to accommodate an upwardly projecting integraltubular column 84 Oli .a Saddle bracket 85 which underlies the supportedportion of part 65. Bracket 85 also has an integral depending tubularportion 86 in line with and constituting a downward extension of thecolumn 84. A fixed Yer-tical tubular supporting shaft 8'! extends from elewer level upwardly in a vertical bore 88 in the integr-al tubularmembers 86 and 8,4 and terminates. such. bere at a level below the upperend of the column 8,4 and above the arm or frame 6 5. The portion of thecolumn B4 which extends vertically thrcueh the arm or frame 65 may beexternally rectangular as. indicated at a9 in Fie- 5 and fits. slidablybetween a pairof spaced integral guides 83d at opposite sides of theopening 8.3;. AV nanged; plus 9.9 nts in the upper end of the tubularshaft 8T and provides a bearing surface for the lower end ofv anadjusting thrust screw 8l which is threaded through a flanged plug 9.2which is pinned at 92a, to the upper end portion of the tubular column84. See Fig. 2. The tubular shaft 811 is xed in position by beingpinned, as at: 93, to a vertical tubular member .fillY which constitutespart ofV a bracket 95 that is fastened, as at 9.6, toa convenient: partof the Y framework structure of the feeder. The arrangement thusprovides for vertical adjustment of the rotor supporting arm or frame65. and its. saddle bracket 85. as a unit, such adjustment beingeffected by. turning the adjusting thrust screw 9|` against the plug 90in the upper end of the fixed' position vertical: shaft 81:. A scalestrip 91 is adjustably secured4 by the vertical slot and fasteningscrewarrangement indicated at 98, Fig. 2, to the tubular portion 86. ofthe bracket B5 so as to depend below and adjacent tothe tubular portionSM of'thexed bracket 95. The scale strip 91' is provided with avertical' series off graduations 99 ofa linear scale cooperative with anindex element |-00= on the fixed' bracket part 94 so as to mdicate atanytimethe height of the lower end of therotor-abovethe'bottom ofthefeed bowl.

The bracket 85 is provided at places respectively locatedat opposite'sidesk of the tubular portion 86v thereof withl upwardlyl facinghorizontal bearingsurfaces l-Iv and` HB2, respectively, on whichrestdownwardly facing cooperative horizontal slide bearing-surfaces H13and I B4, respectively, on the bottom of the horizontal rotor support65: The rotorsupport 65 may be adjfusvted'l rectilinearly on these slidesurfaces to center the rotor unit inrelationgto the'feedbowl outlet,lThe adjustingk means f or' this purpose compriscsan adjusting screwY m5,Fig. 5, operativelyconnectedby a` universal coupling arrangement{Otto-the outer end' of'a bracket arm 101 onL theouter end. Qf'thesupport; 65'. The adjustingscrew lthreadedly engages, a socket memberv{08A which is attachedby a transversely extendingfhorizontalpivotelernent M19 to a bracket [I0 on the adjacent face of therectangular portion 88 of the columnV 8,4. B v turning the adjustlngscrew N15, in. a conventional manner about its axis in thesocket member|08. the support65 willbe adiusted rectilinearly relative to the column84 Whichjsprevented from moving-. bodily in ahorjzontaldirection by itsthrust connection with the xedstationarv shaft R1. 'Ifhe support 65anditssaddle bracket 85 may also be adjustedv asV a unit angularly aboutthe vertical shaft 8T t9 a slight but adequate extent to center therotor in relation to the feed bowl outlet. When so adjusted, the support65 may be secured in place. The means for this purpose comprises aprojecting end extension of the support 65, Figs. 2 and 10, providedwith a slot ||2 therein, extending in a direction radial of the rotorholder. This slot H2 is undercut 4at H3 to accommodate a slide block I|4having therein a Vertical threaded opening ||5 engageable with thethreaded shank ||6 of a headed bolt H1. The headed bolt is carried by abracket I |8 which is secured by a horizontal slot and bolt arrangementI I9, Fig. 2, in laterally adjusted position along a horizontal guideway|20 in the vertical face of a stationary frame part I2 I. When angularadjustment of the rotor support about the shaft 81 is to be effected,the bracket H8 is loosened to permit lateral adjustment thereof and thebolt H1 is loosened sufciently to permit the block H4 to slide in itsslideway |I3 on the angular or swinging adjustment of the support 65.After such adjustment, the bracket |20 is fastened securely in itsposition and the bolt ||1 is tightened to hold the block I |4 in place.

It previously has been pointed out that the rotor may be rotated by achain which encircles a driven sprocket 68 on the rotor'chuck carrier.The chain 10, Fig. 2, extends around drive sprocket |22 on the upper endof a-vertical drive shaft |23 which extends through a vertical tubularmember |24 carried by an outwardly extending end portion |25 of thesupport 65, Figs. 2 and 5, this shaft |23 being retained againstaccidental vertical displacement by thrust bearings |26 and |21, Fig. 2.The shaft |23 is connected by a universal joint |28 to a plural sectiontelescopic shaft |29 which is connected by a universal joint |30 to ashaft |3I which projects upwardly through a bearing |32 on an arm |33secured to the xed bracket 95. The shaft |3I is connected through anoverload clutch releasing mechanism |34 and a speed adjustment unit |35with a motor |36. The motor |36 is mounted on an arm |31 projecting fromthe fixed bracket 95. This arrangement permits sufficient upward andlateral movement of the drive sprocket |22 relative to the motor |36 forthe desired vertical and horizontal adjustments of the rotor mainsupport 65. These may be effected without interruption of the driving ofthe rotor from the motor |36. The chain 10 is kept desirably taut by achain tightening sprocket |38 mounted on a pivot arm |39 swingable aboutthe axis of the shaft |23 and urged continuously by aspring |40 againstthe chain 10.

The xed tubular shaft 81 provides a means for supplying cooling air tothe rollers and other parts of the rotor supporting assembly and mayreceive cooling air from any suitable source through a connected supplypipe |4|, Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 5, the tubular member 81 may beprovided with lateral ports |42 in the portion thereof extending throughthe part 89 and air may pass through these ports and through alignedlateral passages |43 and |44 in the part 89 and the adjacent walls ofthe support 65, respectively. From the passages |44 the cooling airpasses into chambers |45 which are formed in the support 65 and fromthese chambers, air may pass through passages |46 into the chamber 65awithin the support 65 housing the rotor chuck carrier and the rollerssupporting such carrier. This arrangement provides adequate cooling ofthe metallic rotor mounting means.

14 Supporting and adjusting means for the' charge weight control tube,The refractory tube 41 serves as a vertically adjustable gate valve forregulating flow of glass to the outlet passage or well 1. as astationary inner circular wall against which the depending glassengaging prongs or legs 5| of the rotor unit impels and smears moltenglass and it thereby cooperates with the rotor unit to disperse,attenuate and generally diffuse cords and contaminated streaks of glassin the glass stream passing spirally to the outflow gap between thelower end of the tube and the `curb at the upper end of the outflowpassage. The tube 41 further coacts or cooperates with the rotor todefine an annular vent or stack for the upward ow of heated gases fromthe feed spout.

The mechanism for adjustably supporting the tube 41 in its operativeposition comprises a chuck consisting of an outer annular supportingmember |41, Figs. 2 and 4, adapted to surround the upper end portion ofthe tube and having an inwardly extending narrow flange |48, Fig. 4, atits lower end on which an external ange 41a on the upper end of therefractory tube may rest. The tube chuck comprises also an inner annularclamping member |49 adapted to bear against the top of the flanged upperend of the tube 41 so as to hold the latter rmly in place in the lowerportion of the outer chuck member |41 when an out turned flange |50 onthe upper end of the inner chuck member |49 is fastened by eyebolts I5|to the underlying outwardly turned flange |52 on the upper end portionof the outer chuck member |41. The lower end of the inner chuck member|49 may be provided with spaced shallow cutouts |53 to allow circulationof air from the space |54 between the two chuck members |49 and |41,thus guarding against undue heating of the parts of the chuck.

The chuck may be applied to the tube 41 while the latter is cold and ina convenient location. The eyebolts supply convenient means forfastening a hoist to the assembled chuck and tube to handle them andmove them as desired as a unit. In this manner, the tube may bepreheated and then lowered to place so that the chuck will rest on theoutwardly turned flange |52 of the outer chuck member in a seat |55 inthe arcuate wall |56 of an end portion |51 of a horizontally disposed,adequately stiff and strong tube supporting arm |58, the seat |55 beingdefined in part by an inwardly extending flange |59 on which the flange|52 of the outer member of the tube chuck rests. The arcuate chuckreceiving end portion |51 of the tube supporting arm is in the nature ofa part of a bayonet joint in that it is open at one side through anangle of approximately Fig. 3, this permitting the chuck to be movedlaterally through this opening after such chuck, and the tube supportedthereby, have been lifted vertically high enough to cause the flangedupper end portion of the outer chuck member to clear the wall of thechuck accommodating arcuate seat in the outer end portion of the arm|58. Of course, the chuck and tube must be lifted as a unit high enoughfor the tube to clear the rotor mechanism. When the chuck is in itsseated position in the outer end portion of its supporting arm, it maybe clamped securely in place by clamping lugs |60 fastened by cap screws|6| to the outer end portion |51 of the arm |58 in positions to bear attheir inner ends on embossed portions |62, Fig. 3, on the flange |50 atthe top of the clamping It also serves member |49 of the chuck andbearing at their outer end on bosses |63 on the supporting arm.

The supporting arm |58 is supported at its end remote from the tube 41on an eccentric collar 564 on the upper end of a vertical tubular shaft|65, being provided with a split collar controlled by tightening bolts|66 so as to be clamped rigidly to the eccentric collar |64 or loosenedsufficiently to permit turning of the latter about the axis of thevertical shaft |65 when it is desired to adjust the arm |58longitudinally in either of opposite directions to align the supportedrefractory tube 41 with the feed bowl outlet. The eccentric bushing |64may be provided with a transverse opening |61, Fig. 3, in its projectingupper end portion to accommodate a tool, shown as a rod |68, which maybe grasped and manipulated to effect such adjustment.

A lateral adjustment of the tube supporting end of the arm |58 and ofthe tube supported thereby in either of opposite directions generallytransverse to that which may be elfected by adjustment of the eccentricsleeve |64 also is provided to aid in centering the tube in relation tothe feed bowl outlet. As shown in Fig. 3, the outer end portion of thearm |58 carries a iixed bracket |69 projecting laterally7 beyond theunderlying rotor sprocket 68 and there provided with a small upturned,generally rectangular frame |10. This frame has a pair of parallelhorizontally spaced side walls |1611 between which an upstandingvertical crank pin |1| in the frame may slide along the frame. Thevertical crank` pin |1| is carried by a crank hub |12, Fig. 4, on avertical ljournal pin |13 which is adapted to be dropped into a closelyfitting vertical hole |14 in the rotor main support 65. This journal pin|13 is' dropped through the eye |15 of an eye rod |16 which extendsthrough a xed lug |11 on a portion of the rotor main support 65 near theouter end of the latter. A nut |16 on the threaded protruding end of theeye rod beyond the lug |11 may be tightened against the' lug to applysuicient tension on the journal pin |13 to cause the latter to beretained in its angularly adjusted position in the hole |14 by reason ofits frictional contact with the wall of such hole. When the nut |18 hasbeen loosened slightly, the upwardly projecting crank pin |1| may bemanipulated to swing around the axis of the journal pin |13 against oneor the other side walls |10a. of the frame |10 to swing the outer end ofthe bracket |58 laterally in one direction or the other as may berequired for alignment of the tube 41 with the feed bowl outlet. Theupper end portion of the crank pin |1| may be provided with a transverseopening |19 for the reception of a suitable pin for use in manipulatingit.

The tubular shaft |65 on which the arm |58 is mounted is shown in Fig. 4as passing through a bearing structure which is diagrammaticallyindicated in part at |80. The actual structure for guiding andsupporting the shaft |65 so that it may be adjusted vertically to effectvertical adjustment of the refractory tube 41 in relation to the curb atthe top of the feeder outlet is not shown in detail since it is not, perse, part of the present invention. It may be substantially as disclosedin detail in U. S. Patent No. 1,760,254 of May 27, 1930, although Iprefer to use the improved tubular shaft supporting and verticaladjustment mechanism of the co-pending application of Michael A. Koleda,Serial No. 656,063, led March 21, 1946, now U. S. Patent No.

1e 2,479,121, issued August 16, 1949, with which the present inventionis of common ownership.

Supporting and, Operating means for the charge shape control plunger Therefractory plunger 48 is suspended from a chuck which preferably is asdisclosed and claimed in my cio-pending divisional application, SerialNo. 282,887, filed April 17, 1952, and includes elements partially shownin Fig. 2 of the drawings of the instant application and indicatedtherein at |8| and |85, respectively. The chuck however may be of anysuitable known type or construction.

The supporting and operating means for the plunger, considered as awhole, preferably is as disclosed and claimed in my co-pendingdivisional application, Serial No. 263,075, filed December 24, 1951, butmay be of any suitable known construction and mode of operation.

The feeder shear mechanism Any suitable known shear mechanism, noneshown, may be employed in a glass feeder having the glass homogenizingand feed controlling means of the present invention but I prefer a shearmechanism embodying novel combinations of structural and operatingfeatures such as those which are disclosed and claimed in my copendingdivisional applications, Serial Nos. 263,076; 263,077; and 263,078;respectively, all nled December 24, 1951.

Alternative form of glass missing rotor, Figs. 8 and 9 The form of rotorshown in Figs. 8 and 9 and generally designated 646 is like the rotor 46shown in Fig. 1, for example, and hereinbefore particularly described inthat it consists of a plurality of cooperative similar segmentalsections-three in the example shown-the upper portion of which isslightly less, as 1 4, than 120 in angular extent. Each of thesesegmental sections comprises a longitudinally straight arcuate up perportion 649, an outwardly flaring intermediate portion 650 and alongitudinally straight arcuate lower portion 65| which is the part thatdepends into the glass in the feed bowl when the sections are assembledand the rotor thus provided is supported operatively in the bowl asshown in Fig. 8, the supporting and operating means therefor being thesame as for the rotor 46. Each section has an outwardly projecting ange653 adapted to fit into a seat in a chuck segment 55, Fig. 2. Eachsection also has an outwardly extending flange 65|a at the lower end ofthe lower portion 65| to provide added stirring action on the glass atthe bottom of the bowl around the curb 6.

The upper portion 649 of the rotor 646 is relatively longer than thecorresponding portion of the rotor 46 and extends downwardly from ahigher level completely through a vertical opening 645 in the bowl cover31-38 to a level such that the flaring intermediate portion 650 of therotor section is positioned just above the glass level. The opening 645thus may have a straight vertical wall which has a diameter onlyslightly greater than that of the upper portion of the rotor and lessthan that of the lower portion of the rotor. The segmental sections maybe individually raised for removal and thereafter replaced in the samemanner as previously described herein to eiect removal and replacementof the individual segmental sections of the rotor 46.

The rotor is provided with cutouts 6|0 extending in its wall from itsbottom to a level above the glass in the bowl so as to allow glass anddirect heat to reach the tube 41. Each such cutout may be providedbetween adjacent lateral vedges of the rotor segmental sections bypartially cu*- ting away or appropriately forming such edges similarlyso that the cutout has the desired configuration, area and verticalextent. ln the example shown, each cutout increases slightly in widthfrom the bottom of the rotor to about the glass level and then decreasesabruptly to a relatively small width which is continued for theremaining upper portion 6l6a of the cutout. This narrower upper portionof the cutout is completely above the glass and is for the ingress ofhot gases to the venting space between the upper portion of the rotorand the tube 41. The wider, lower portion of the cutout permits adequateinward passage of glass to the tube 41 and the side edges of thisportion of the cutout give it a good glass mixing and blending action.

The rotor 646 having the arcuate glass mixing and blending lowerportions as described is advantageously usable in feeding charges havinga weight of 6 ounces or less although it also may be used for heaviercharges as in the case of the leg or prong type stirrer 46. Either typewill plow clinging glass from the bowl bottom around the curb and mixand blend such glass with hotter, less viscous higher level glass. Thearcuate glass engaging portions 65| of the rotor 646 above the bottomflange 65 la may be as thick as the remaining ihigher portions of therotor sections and nearly as extensive angularly while the glassengaging portions l of the rotor 46 are relatively thicker and of muchless angular extent so that relatively wider area spaces are providedbetween adjacent lower portions of the rotor 46 for ingress of glass anddirect heat to the tube 41. Each type rotor is effective in conjunctionwith the tube 41 and feed bowl wall effectively to mix and blend theglass in the bowl so as to equalize its temperature just before it flowsto the glass discharge outlet and also to have a good cord dispersingaction.

I claim:

l. A glass blending and circulating implement adapted to project throughan opening in the cover of a glass feeding chamber or channel so thatits lower end depends into the glass in the chamber or channel and itsupper end extends above the cover, said 'implement comprising aplurality of cooperative similar sections having segmental upper arcuateportions which form a cylinder adapted to extend through said openingwith but slight clearance between itself and the wall of the opening andhaving lower portions offset radially outward in relation to their upperportions so as to lie in a circle of greater diameter than the openingin the cover, said outwardly cifset lower portions being of less arcuateextent than the upper portions so that gaps are provided betweenadjacent such lower portions to permit the flow of glass and heatradiation between them and being formed with out-turned flanges at theirlower extremities, said lower portions being partially cut away at theirside edges from their lower ends upward to a height above the level ofthe glass in the chamber or channel so that the gaps between adjacentside edges of the lower portions of the sections are of predeterminedcontour.

2. In glass feeding apparatus, a glass container having a dischargeoutlet passage in its bottom adapted to be submerged by glass in thecontainer, a cover for the container comprising a plurality of separableblocks cooperatively formed to provide a vertical opening between themand in line with said outlet when the blocks are in their operativecover-forming positions, a vertically adjustabie tubular dischargeregulating implement depending through said opening in spaced relationto the wall thereof so that the lower end of the implement is disposedin glass flow regulating relation to an annular portion of the containerbottom surrounding the upper end of the outlet passage and locateddirectly beneath and in line with the implement, the lower end of saidimplement having a diameter greater than that of the upper end of theoutlet passage, a rotary glass stirring implement comprising a pluralityof vertically disposed segmental sections arranged in a circle aroundand in spaced relation to said discharge regulating implement with theirupper portions extending through said opening in the cover close to thewall thereof' and to one another so as to restrict to a slight amountloss of heat from the container by reason of' escape of hot gasesthrough the opening in the cover at the outer side of said sections,said sections having lower portions offset radially outward from theirupper portions so as to dip into the glass in the container in a circlehaving a diameter substantially greater than that of the opening in thecover, an annular rotary carrier for the stirring implement sectionslocated above and in line with said opening in the cover, said carrierhaving an annular seat, and supporting elements rigid with the upperends of said segmental sections and extending outwardly therefrom so asto bear at their outer portions on said annular seat of said carrier andthus support the sections operatively from the carrier when the sectionsare assembled and at the same time permit independent raising andremoval of the individual sections while the carrier remains in place.

3. In glass feeding apparatus, a glass container having a dischargeoutlet passage in itsbottom adapted to be submerged by glass in thecontainer, a cover for the container having an open-V ing in line withsaid outlet, a vertically adjustable tubular discharge regulatingimplement depending through said opening in spaced relation to the wallthereof so that the lower end of the implement is disposed in glass flowregulating relation to an annular portion of the container bottomsurrounding the upper end of the outlet passage, and located directlybeneath and in line with the implement, the lower end of said implementhaving a diameter greater than that of the upper end of the outletpassage, and a rotary glass stirring implement comprising a plurality ofvertically disposed segmental sections arranged in a circle around andin spaced relation to said discharge regulating implement with theirupper portions extending through said opening in the cover close to thewall thereof and to one another so as to restrict to a slight amountloss of heat from the container by reason of escape of hot gases throughthe opening in the cover at the outer side of said sections, saidsections having lower portions oilset radially outward from their upperportions so as to dip into the glass in the container in a circle havinga diameter substantially greater than that of atleast a portion of theopening in the cover, the opening in the container cover and theportions of the sections of the stirring implement extendingtherethrough being formed to have substantially vertical cylindricalwalls and the outwardly oiiset lower glass engaging portions of saidsections being arcuate in cross section and partially cut away at theirside edges from their lower ends upward to a level above thatl acte,isfl 1'9 of the glass in the container so that openings of predeterminedcontour extending above the glass are provided between adjacent sideedges of adjacent sections.

4. In glass feeding apparatus, the combination dened by claim 3 wherein'the lower glass engaging portions of the stirring implement haveout-turned flanges at their lower extremities.

5. In glass feeding apparatus, a glass container having a dischargeoutlet passage in its bottom adapted to be submerged by glass in thecontainer, a cover for the container having an opening in line with saidoutlet, a discharge regulating implement depending through said openingin spaced relation to the Wall thereof so that the lower end of theimplement lis vdisposed in glass flow regulating relation to 'the upperendv of the outlet passage, a rotary glass stirring implement comprisinga plurality of vertically disposed segmental sections arranged in acircle around and in spaced relation to said discharge regulatingimplement with their upper portions extending through said opening inthe cover close to the wall thereof and to one another so as to restrictto a slight amount loss of heat from the container by reason of escapeo'f hot gases through Athe opening in the cover at the 'outer side ofsaid sections, said sections having lower portions offset radiallyoutward from their upper portions so as to dip into the glass in thecontainer in a circle having a diameter substantially greater -than thatof at least a portion of the opening in the cover, a chuck for saidstirring implement, said chuck comprising segmental sectionscorresponding in number with the stirring implement sections, releasablemeans securing the chuck sections to the upper end portions of thestirring implement sections, an annular carrier supporting in assembledrelation said chuck sections and the stirring implement sections securedthereto, means to rotate said annular carrier and the sections supportedthereby about the axis of said carrier, and vertically and horizontallyadjustable means supporting said Carrier in a horizontal position withits axis vertically aligned 'With the outlet .passage in the bottom ofthe glass container.

6. The combination in glass feeding apparatus of a glass containerhaving -an outlet passage in its bottom and a cover having an openingabove and in line with said outlet passage, a rotary glass stirringimplement `comprising a plurality of vertically disposed segmentalsections having upper end portions extending through the opening Ain thecover and projecting above the latter and lower 'portions 'depending inthe container and offset in relation 'to the 'upper rend portions, andsupporting means for said stirring implement sections supporting them bytheir vupper ends in a circular series so that their offset lowerportions are turned radially outward 'in respect tothe axis of saidcircular series, their lower ends are close to the bottom of the`container and are spaced angularly around the upper end of the outletpassage in the bottom of the container and the circular series ofstirring implement sections is rotatable as a unit about its said axis,said supporting means comprising a stationary upright supporting shaft`locateda-t one side of said glass container, a horizontal supportingarm mounted on said shaft so that a portion of the arm overhangs thecontainer cover and is formed to provide a generally cylindrical holderoverlying and approximately in line with the opening in the containercover, angularly spaced, horizontally disposed rollers mounted Yin theWall fof 'saidholder to project 'into itsinterior, an 'aimu'lar chuck'oarrier having an externally kflanged upper end portion bearing uponsaid rollers, angularly spaced, vertically disposed rollers on 'saidholder in positions to bear against the periphery Aof the flanged upperend portion of the carrier to center Vthe latter in said holder, saidcarrier having an internally hanged lower end portion, and a chuckcomprising individual segmental sections for the segmental sections ofthe stirring implement, said chuck sections being attachable to theupper 'end portions of the stirring implement sections and beingsupported in a circular series -on the in` ternally flanged lower endportion of said car ier to suspend said stirring implement sections fromthe carrier.

"7. The `combination donned by claim *6 wherein said upright supportingshaft and said overhang ing arm are formed internally 'to conductv'coo-ling' air to the interior of the holder and the parts therein.

f8. The combination vdei-ined by claim =6 fand, Ain addition, an annularsprocket .iitt'ing on said Ioarrier and secured thereto, ya 'drivesprocket rotabably supported `on said armi, alch'ain trained about saidsprockets, and 'means to rotate said drive sprocket.

9. The combination in glass ifeeding apparatus of a `glass 4'containerhaving an outlet .passage in its bottom and a cover having fan openingabove and in line with said outlet passage, .a rotary glass stirringimplement comprising a 'plurality fof vertically disposed segmental4'sections .having '11pper end 'portions extending through the openinginthe cover and projecting `above thelatter :aud lower portionsdepending 'in the container and oiset in relation to the -upper endportions, and supporting means for `said stirring impl'emfmt sectionssupporting them by their upper xends liin a circular series so thattheir folset lower portions are turned radially outward in respect tothe axis of said circular series, their .lower 4ends are close to thebottom of the container and are spaced angularly around lthe upper -endof the outlet passage in the bottom of the container and the circularseries of vstirring implement sections is rotatable as a unit about itssaid axis relative to said container., said supporting means comprisingan upright supporting shaft at one side -of said glass container, ahorizontal 4saddle ybracket have ing an integral vertical ltubularcolumn projecting both upwardly and downwardly nfrom the middle portionthereof, said tubular column litting on the upright shaft for verticalsliding and angular turning movements .relative thereto, .ad` justablemeans interconnecting the 'tubular column and the stationary shaftvertically to adlius't the position of said bracket on said shaft and tomaintain any such adjustment, a horizontal arm resting slidably on saidsaddle bracket so that an end portion of the arm extends over theopening in the container cover, said 'arm having a verticalaperturetherein through which a portion oi .said tubular column extends, theWalls 'of said opening in the `arm and of the portion ofthe columnthere' in 'being cooperatively 'formed 'to 'permit horizontalmovementofthe arm on said bracket only in the direction of length thereof andsothatsaid arm and Lbracket will 'turn vas a `unit about the axis of 'thesupporting sha'ft wheneither isturn'o'd, means carried by said endportion of said 'afm rotatably to support the stirring implementsections by their upper ends as aforesaid, means toadjust said armlongitudinally on said bracket and to maintain any such adjustmentandreleasable 4means to maintain any ang-ularly adjusted 10. Thecombination defined by claim il), and, I

in addition, means to rotate said circular series of stirringimplement'l sections about its vertical axis, said last-named meanscomprising a driver occupying a relatively fixed position adjacent tosaid supporting shaft and motion transmitting connections between saiddriver and the means carried by said arm to rotatably support saidstirring implement sections, said motion transmitting connections beingconstructed and arranged to be operative during any of said adjustmentsof said arm relative to said supporting shaft.

11. In glass feeding apparatus, a glass container having a dischargeoutlet passage in its bottom adapted to be submerged by glass in thecontainer, a cover for the container having an opening in line with saidoutlet, a vertically adjustable tubular discharge regulating implementdepending through said opening in spaced relation to the wall thereof sothat the lower end of the implement is disposed in glass ow regulatingrelation to an annular portion of the container bottom surrounding theupper end of the outlet passage and located directly beneath and in linewith the implement, a rotary glass stirring implement comprising aplurality of vertically disposed segmental sections arranged in a circlearound and in spaced relation to said discharge regulating implementwith their upper portions extending through said opening in the coverclose to the wall thereof, to the discharge regulating implement and toone another so as to restrict to a slight amount loss of heat from thecontainer by reason of radiation and escape of hot gases through theopening in the cover at the outer side of said sections and through thespace between the discharge regulating implement and the inner side ofsaid sections, said sections having lower portions oset radially outwardfrom their upper portions so as to dip into the glass in the containerin a circle having a diameter substantially greater than that of theopening in the cover, and an annular rotatable carrier for the segmentalstirrer sections holding them in operating position and having anopening through which the segmental sections may be raised for removaland replacement.

12. In glass feeding apparatus, the combination as defined by claim 11wherein the lower glass engaging portions of said sections of thestirring implement are formed as substantially straight vertical legs orprongs having their lateral surfaces at both the inner and outer sidesthereof convexly curved in horizontal configuration.

13. In glass feeding apparatus, a glass container having a dischargeoutlet passage in its bottom adapted to be submerged by glass in thecontainer, a cover for the container having an opening in line with saidoutlet, a reciprocable charge shape controlling plunger dependingthrough said opening and projecting into the glass above the outlet, acharge weight controlling sleeve surrounding the plunger and dependingthrough said opening in spaced relation to the bottom of the containerso that the lower end of the sleeve is disposed in glass flow regulatingrelation to an annular portion of the container bottom surrounding theupper end of the outlet passage and located directly beneath and in linewith the sleeve, a rotary glass stirring implementlcomprising apluralityof vertically disposed segmental sections arranged in a circle aroundand in spaced relation to said ow regulating sleeve with their upperportions extending through said opening in the cover close to the'w'allthereof, to` the flow regulating sleeve and to one another so as torestrict to a slight amount loss of heat from'the container by reason'o'f radiation and of escape of hot gases through the opening in thecover at the outer side'of said 'sections' and between the sleeve andinner side of the sections, said sections having lower portions offsetradially outward from their upper portions so as to dip into the glassin the container in a circle having a diameter substantially greaterthan that of the opening in the cover, a vertically reciprocable carrierfor the plunger, a stationary but vertically adjustable Vcarrier for thesleeve located beneath the plunger carrier, and an annular rotatablecarrier for the segmental stirrer sections located beneath the sleevecarrier and holding the stirrer sections in operating position, saidannular carrier for the segmental sections having an opening throughwhich said sections may be raised for removal and replacement.

14. In glass feeding apparatus, the combination dened by claim 13wherein said sleeve carrier is shaped and positioned to provideclearance for upward movement of a segmental stirrer section as thelatter is raised through the opening of the annular carrier of saidstirrer sections. i

15. A glass blending and circulating implement shaped to resist thestresses caused by its action on viscous glass, and adapted to eX- tenddownwardly through a cylindrical opening in the cover of a glass feedingchamber or channel so that its lower end depends into the glass in thechamber or channel and its upper end is positioned above the cover, saidimplement comprising a plurality of cooperative similar sections havingsegmental upper cylindrical portions which vform a cylinder adapted toextend through said opening with but slight clearance between itself andthe wall of the opening when the sections are cooperatively associatedwith one another, each section having an arcuate radially outwardflaring portion directly below its upper portion, an arcuateintermediate portion extending below said flaring portion and taperingdownwardly to become narrower along its arc and becoming thickerradially and a rodlike lower portion olf-set radially outward inrelation to the upper cylindrical portion and into which said arcuateintermediate portion is merged, said lower portion being of less arcuateextent than the upper portion so that gaps are provided between adjacentsuch lower portions of the associated sections to permit the flow ofglass and heat radiation between them, said lower portions lying in acircle of greater diameter than that of the opening in the cover.

KARL E. PEILER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 329,969 Sweet Nov. 10, 1885 992,230 Miller May 16, 19111,216,775 Conradson Feb. 20, 1917 1,262,594 Akimoif Apr. 9, 1918 (Otherreferences on following page) Number 23J STATES PATENTS Name Date PeilerJan. 20, 1920v Tucker et al Dec. 16, 1924 Peiler Oct'. 19, 1926 SoubierDec. 28, 1926 Souber May 3, 1927 Rule Feb. 17, 1931 Soub'er June 16,1931 Barker Dec. 8, 1931 Souber Aug". 2, 1932 Soubier Aug'. 2, 1932Wardley Oct. 25, 1932 Number 24 Name. Date Peiler May 16, 1933 BarkerMar. 6, 1934 Haub Nov. 5, 1935 Honss May 12, 1936 Honiss Apr. 13, 1937Peler Oct. 8, 1940 Cannon June 17, 1941 Danner Mar. 6, 1945 Weber June11, 1946 Honiss May 17,. 1949 Kcdedar Aug. 16, 1949 Wiley et a1. July18. 1950

